The Atlas Obscura Podcast Our Favorite Objects: The Thousand-Year Rose (Classic)
Aug 27, 2025
Discover the remarkable story of the Thousand-Year Rose, a resilient bloom that survived the chaos of World War II. Explore its deep connections to human history and the enduring spirit of nature. Learn about Hildesheim's rose as a symbol of hope for the city, cherished by medieval pilgrims and linked to the Virgin Mary. Hear emotional reactions from visitors who connect with its beauty and history. Plus, get insider travel tips for experiencing this living marvel firsthand!
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Founding Moment In A Rose
- Louis the Pious found a wild rose blooming through snow in 815 and decided to build a cathedral there.
- That rose and a reliquary turned the site into medieval Hildesheim and drew pilgrims for centuries.
Living Plant Shaped A City
- The rose and the reliquary made Hildesheim a pilgrimage destination and civic center for centuries.
- The living rose became as culturally important as the cathedral's medieval art and relics.
Living Objects Hold Cultural Power
- A living object can carry cultural and emotional weight comparable to artifacts and architecture.
- The rose's continued life sustains pilgrimage, memory, and civic identity across centuries.